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AW139 vs NH90 / Caiman

AgustaWestland AW139 military helicopters side profile drawing
🇬🇧🇮🇹 AW139
NHIndustries NH90 / Caiman military helicopters side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷🇮🇹🇳🇱 NH90 / Caiman
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Specifications
AW139 NH90 / Caiman
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇮🇹 Italy 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France🇮🇹 Italy🇳🇱 Netherlands
Category Military Helicopters Military Helicopters
Manufacturer AgustaWestland NHIndustries
First flight 3 February 2001 18 December 1995
Year introduced 2003 2004
Number produced 1100 units 471 units
Average unit price $15 million $42 million
Wingspan 13.8 m 16.3 m
Height 3.7 m 5.3 m
Length 13.8 m 19.6 m
Maximum speed 310 km/h 300 km/h
Operational range 1,061 km 880 km
Service ceiling 6,096 m 6,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 6,400 kg 10,600 kg
Empty weight 3,622 kg 6,400 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,141 kW 2 x 1,693 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AW139 and the NH90 / Caiman are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by AgustaWestland and NHIndustries respectively.

Top speed is 310 km/h for the AW139 vs 300 km/h for the NH90 / Caiman. The AW139 has an operational range of 1,061 km vs 880 km for the NH90 / Caiman. The AW139 operates at altitudes up to 6,096 m compared to 6,000 m for the NH90 / Caiman.

The AW139 has been produced in 1,100 units vs 471 for the NH90 / Caiman. Unit cost is $15M for the AW139 vs $42M for the NH90 / Caiman. The NH90 / Caiman first flew 6 years before the AW139 (1995 vs 2001).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AW139 or NH90 / Caiman?
The AW139 is faster with a maximum speed of 310 km/h compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 300 km/h, a difference of 10 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW139 or NH90 / Caiman?
The AW139 has a longer range at 1,061 km compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 880 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW139 or NH90 / Caiman?
The AW139 has a higher service ceiling at 6,096 meters (20,000 ft) compared to the NH90 / Caiman's 6,000 meters (19,685 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW139 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 10,600 kg compared to the AW139's 6,400 kg.
Which is larger, the AW139 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is longer at 19.6 meters compared to the AW139's 13.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW139 or NH90 / Caiman?
The NH90 / Caiman is more expensive at approximately $42 million per unit compared to the AW139 at $15 million.
Which entered service first, the AW139 or NH90 / Caiman?
The AW139 entered service first in 2003, 1 years before the NH90 / Caiman which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AW139 or NH90 / Caiman?
The AW139 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,100 units compared to 471 units of the NH90 / Caiman.